Bomani Tented Lodge: For a great safari expedition

THIS luxurious tented lodge is situated in a private concession of the magnificent Ngamo Plain, on the edge of the remote and unspoilt south eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Bomani is famous for its unique scenery as well as its large herds of elephants and other animals and birdlife.

Without any fences, the lodge and the private reserve from the Hwange National Reserve is simply cut off by a railway line that separates the two which means game roams freely between the two. Game drives and walks are conducted on both the private reserve and within the national park. To enter the national park is a short 15 minute drive through the private game reserve which is a game drive in itself.

For all nature lovers, this particular area of Hwange has beautiful open plains synonymous with scenes of Africa and herds of animals roaming freely across the open savannah. Camelthorn and teak tree forests surround the open plains. Several pans dotted around these open plains attract vast herds of elephant along with all the other species including lion, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, sable and many more.

With the help of local builders, carpenters and thatchers, Bomani Tented Camp opened in 2000. Over time it has expanded, but remains an intimate and exclusive destination. There are now nine large luxury tents and one sumptuous thatched bungalow. Four of the tents (the “Spurwing suites”) are the latest additions to the camp and are larger and slightly more luxurious than the other five tents (the “Hornbill lodges”).

The Spurwing suites are built on concrete slabs at ground level and overlook the Bomani pan, their bathrooms are tiled and the furnishings are more luxurious. The Hornbill Lodges are built on wooden platforms raised 5ft (about 1,5m) above the ground giving them a commanding view across the open plains; they have a more rustic feel which appeals to some guests on safari. All tents are electrified and have bathrooms en-suite.

Activities at Bomani Tented Lodge include, game walks with a fully licensed professional guide, game drives around the private reserve or into the national park, night drives around the private reserve. Sitting in a sunken hide at “Stoffie’s Pan” where you are eyes are at ground level and the waterhole is only metres away. Elephants come down to drink there every day and if you are lucky enough to be there at this time it’s an unforgettable experience and the highlight of many a guest. Visits to a nearby village and school are done, giving an insight into the lives of the local community.

The guides at Bomani Tented Lodge are first class and go out of their way to tailor make activities to suit your preferences. So instead of just doing a game drive they might take a picnic brunch out which you can then enjoy at one of the pans, all depends on the game movements at the particular time you are there.

Being on a private concession means that no other vehicles apart from Bomani’s have access to the concession. This also allows for them to do night drives. It has to be said that although there is plenty of game on the private concession it is not as prolific as that of national park even though there are no fences, but such close access to the park gives you the best of both worlds. The south eastern part of the park is so remote that only vehicles from the Wilderness Lodges will ever be seen down there.

Bomani Tented Lodge is the best ever place for a great African Safari. The game drives are interesting as they have knowledgeable game guides, a wonderful camp location and a bit of community awareness as well. They have sister lodges in Victoria Falls and are therefore a great valuable package which is another big advantage.